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San Luis Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla)

San Luis Purple Sage
Leucophylla flowers
Leucophylla foliage
Leucophylla habit

Overview

Salvia leucophylla, known as San Luis Purple Sage or Gray Sage, is a California native shrub with aromatic, gray-white foliage and whorls of lavender-pink flowers in spring. It is a keystone species in coastal sage scrub communities, providing habitat and nectar for wildlife.

Taxonomy

Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Salvia
Species: leucophylla
Synonyms: Audibertia nivea, Audibertiella nivea, Ramona nivea

Culture

Extremely drought-tolerant, requiring full sun and excellent drainage. Grows 3–5 feet tall and wide. Ideal for native plant gardens, erosion control, and fire-wise landscaping. Not suited for humid climates.

Salvias: Salvia mexicana: Mexican Sage with Blue Flowers and Green Calyces; Salvia apiana: White Sage, Sacred Ceremonial Plant; Salvia pachyphylla: Mohave Sage with Purple Flowers and Silver Foliage; Wild Sage (Salvia hians); Crimson Sage (Salvia spathacea); Munz's Sage (Salvia munzii); Black Sage (Salvia mellifera); Texas Sage (Salvia texana); Salvia canariensis – Majestic Canary Island Sage; Salvia sonomensis (Creeping Sage / Sonoma Sage)

Garden Articles

Bolivian Sage (Salvia exserta)

Thistle Sage (Salvia carduacea)

Wagner's Sage (Salvia wagneriana)

Rock Sage (Salvia pinguifolia)

Salvia namaensis – Rare Namibian Sage from Africa

Salvia yunnanensis (Yunnan Sage)

Salvia nutans (Nodding Sage)

Plants

Salvia elegans: Pineapple Sage with Fragrant Foliage and Red Flowers

Salvia dorrii: Desert Sage with Purple Flowers and Silver Foliage

Salvia bulleyana (Bulley's Sage / Purple & Yellow Yunnan Sage)

Salvia staminea (Iranian Sage)

Salvia ringens (Rumanian Sage)

Salvia rypara (River Sage)

Salvia lemmonii (Lemmon's Sage)